Stainless Steel Shine: Cleaning Secrets

Stainless steel pots and pans are a popular choice for many home and professional cooks. They're durable, non-reactive, and distribute heat beautifully. However, they do require some care and attention to keep them in good condition. Here's a guide on how to clean and care for your stainless steel cookware to keep them looking brand new.

Removing burnt-on food with boiling water

Firstly, scrub away as much food as possible with a non-abrasive scrubber. Then, fill the pot or pan with water and add a bit of dish soap. Ensure that the stuck-on food is completely submerged. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for a few minutes. Remove the pot from the burner and let it cool. The food should now be loosened enough to scrape with a spatula. If this method doesn't work, repeat the process or try one of the other techniques below.

An alternative method is to add a few spoonfuls of baking soda to your scorched pan, along with enough water to cover the burnt areas. Bring this to a boil and simmer until most of the water has evaporated. Turn off the heat and wait until the pan is cool enough to handle. Scrub away any remaining buildup with a non-abrasive sponge and wash in hot, soapy water.

For extra-stubborn burnt-on bits, fill the pan with water and place it on the stove. Bring it to a boil for several minutes to loosen the food. You can also add a few drops of dish soap to the water and let the sudsy mix simmer for about five to ten minutes, or longer depending on how badly burned the pot is. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to loosen and scrape off the burned-on bits.

Another option is to use a commercial cleaner such as Bar Keepers Friend. First, moisten the pan, making sure to saturate the burnt food. Sprinkle the cleaner onto the bottom of the pan to form a paste. Scrub the paste into the scorched food with a non-abrasive scrubber or soft cloth. Rinse the pan with clean water. If the burn marks are still present, repeat the process.

Removing general buildup

To remove general buildup from your stainless steel pots and pans, fill the pan with hot soapy water and let it sit for a few hours. Then, scrub the pan with a non-abrasive sponge.

For extra-stubborn stuck-on bits, fill the pan with water, place it on the stove, and bring it to a boil for several minutes to loosen the food. You can also try adding a couple of spoons of baking soda to the water and bringing it to a boil. Watch closely as it bubbles up, then reduce it to a simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape off the bits of food, which should come off pretty easily.

If you're dealing with burnt-on stains, you can use a dedicated stainless steel cookware cleaner or baking soda. Sprinkle some baking soda into the pan and add just enough water to form a paste. Use a non-scratch sponge to scrub the pan in a circular motion. Rinse and dry the pan thoroughly afterward.

To prevent buildup, it's best to clean your stainless steel pots and pans after each use, even if they don't look very dirty.

Removing water spots

Water spots are a common problem for stainless steel, especially in areas with hard water. Luckily, there are several ways to remove them. Here are some detailed methods to help you tackle those stubborn water spots and restore the shine to your stainless steel pots and pans.

Using Vinegar

A popular and effective way to remove water spots is by using vinegar. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water, or use distilled white vinegar. Spray the solution directly onto the water spots and let it sit for around 5-15 minutes. Then, gently wipe the area with a soft cloth, paper towel, or sponge, always working in the direction of the stainless steel's grain. Repeat this process until the water spots disappear.

Boiling with Vinegar and Water

If you're dealing with hard water stains, a mixture of vinegar and water can be boiled in the pot or pan to remove the chalky buildup. Combine one part vinegar with three parts water and bring it to a boil. Let the mixture cool, then wash the pot or pan with soap and water as usual.

Baking Soda and Lemon Juice

This method is especially useful for horizontal surfaces. Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda or lemon juice over the water spots and let it sit for about five minutes. If using lemon juice, you may need to add more as it dissolves. Next, sprinkle on a thin coating of lemon juice if you started with baking soda, or baking soda if you started with lemon juice. The mixture will fizz. Wipe the area with a clean, damp microfiber cloth or paper towel, always rubbing in the direction of the grain. Finally, allow the surface to air dry.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol, is another effective way to remove water spots. Apply a generous amount to a soft cloth, rag, or paper towel. Gently rub the water spots, always working with the grain of the stainless steel. The rubbing alcohol will evaporate, so there's no need to worry about rinsing.

Commercial Stainless Steel Cleaner

You can also use a commercial stainless steel cleaner, such as Bar Keepers Friend or Method, to remove water spots. Follow the directions provided with the cleaner, and be sure to wear gloves if necessary to protect your hands.

Preventing Water Spots

Remember, prevention is key. Always dry your cookware immediately after washing to prevent water spots from forming in the first place.

Removing discolouration

Stainless steel pots and pans are a staple in any cook's kitchen. This durable cookware heats up quickly and evenly, retains heat well, and is non-reactive. However, stainless steel is not impervious to burnt-on messes and discolouration.

To remove discolouration from stainless steel pots and pans, you can use vinegar, baking soda, or a commercial cleaner.

Vinegar

Pour a little diluted white vinegar onto the discoloured surface. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub the stain gently with a soft cloth, following the grain of the steel. Rinse thoroughly and dry the surface with a clean towel.

Baking soda and dish soap

Mix half a cup of baking soda with a squirt or two of liquid dish soap to create a thick paste. Rub the paste onto the stain with a soft cloth, moving back and forth in the same direction as the grain in the metal. Rinse and dry the surface.

Commercial cleaner

If the stains still do not come out, try a commercial stainless steel cleaner and polisher, such as Bar Keepers Friend. Follow the manufacturer's directions, then rinse and towel dry.

It is important to note that you should never use harsh oven cleaners or chlorine bleach to clean stainless steel, as these can damage the surface.

Removing tough stains with baking soda

Baking soda is a great, inexpensive way to clean tough stains from your stainless steel pans. It has mild abrasive properties and is a non-toxic household ingredient. To remove tough stains, try the following methods:

Use a Baking Soda Paste

Firstly, wet the pan with water and add baking soda until a paste forms. Let the paste sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub off the crusty food or burnt-on oil using a scouring pad or the scrubby side of a sponge. Repeat this process or leave the paste overnight if the stain doesn't come off the first time.

Boil Water and Baking Soda in the Pan

For tougher stains, add a quarter to half a cup of baking soda and a quarter cup of water to the pan. Bring this mixture to a boil. As the water evaporates, scrub off the film of baking soda and food residue with a scrubby sponge or kitchen scrub brush.

Submerge the Pan in Boiling Baking Soda Solution

For tough, years-old stains, you can try submerging the entire pan in boiling water to loosen caked-on stains. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Submerge the pan and add a quarter to half a cup of baking soda, reducing the heat to a gentle boil for 15-30 minutes. Brown residue should begin to flake off. Remove the pan while it's still hot and, for lingering stains, create a paste with more baking soda and water, scrubbing away the stains.

You can also try adding natural cleaning agents like vinegar, lemon juice, or salt to the baking soda for more scrubbing power. However, avoid using vinegar on its own to clean stainless steel pans, as it is too acidic and can damage the surface.

Frequently asked questions